If you're in search of a new home in London this year, you might not be sure where to start. While some of you may have your hearts set on one particular area, others may be more open to discovering different places that London has to offer. Here we've picked out our top neighbourhoods to suit a range of different buyers.
IF YOU'RE A FAMILY
East Finchley
While it may be where The Bishops Avenue is – one of the wealthiest streets in the world and nicknamed Billionaires Row – there are a great deal of family-friendly properties in East Finchley that are perfect for those with children.
The number of secondary schools in the area and its close proximity to Hampstead Heath add to its popularity and just down the road you will find the exclusive areas of Highgate and Hampstead, where property prices are higher than those in East Finchley.
IF YOU'RE A COUPLE
Hounslow
According to the latest Land Registry figures, London's average house price is £481,102. But homes in the London Borough of Hounslow are nearly 20% cheaper than this, with an average price of £400,095.
If you're a young couple trying to get onto London's property ladder, or if you're looking to upsize from a smaller property, the London Borough of Hounslow is an area with plenty of opportunity and choice.
A number of Underground stops and train stations across the borough will get you into central London in as little as 35 minutes, while ongoing redevelopment of Hounslow town centre means there are new shops and services opening in the area each year.
IF YOU WORK IN THE CITY OR CANARY WHARF
Bermondsey
Just two stops from London Bridge and one stop from Canary Wharf on the Jubilee Line, Bermondsey offers a convenient setting if you work in either Canary Wharf or the City. Here, you will find that property prices are generally lower than those in Canary Wharf and areas around the City, while you can still enjoy a short commute.
Over the past five to ten years, Bermondsey has been rejuvenated. There are a number of microbreweries and independent restaurants in the area that are pulling people away from nearby London Bridge, while permanent events like Maltby Street Market mean there's lots to keep you occupied at weekends.
IF YOU'RE LOOKING FOR AN INVESTMENT
Mitcham
2017 was a big year for neighbouring Croydon and it seemed like everyone wanted to buy a property there due to its transforming town centre. But in 2018, we predict that nearby Mitcham will benefit from this growing interest in south London and the area will grow in popularity.
With property prices below the London average, Mitcham presents investors with great opportunity for the future and the mix of housing stock means there's plenty of choice. A two bedroom flat can be bought for under £300,000 and a family home for under £500,000.
IF YOU NEED A PIED-A-TERRE
Pimlico
If you work in London during the week or need somewhere to stay on short trips to the capital, Pimlico is definitely somewhere you should begin your property search.
Close to London Victoria and just across the River Thames from Vauxhall, the transport links from outside of London are good and it's possible to walk to Westminster and the Royal Parks in around 20 minutes.
While the Pimlico area is quiet, you're not far from the buzz of central London and the elegant period properties make for a great London bolthole.
